Photo

FILE -- In this photo from files taken on Feb. 16, 2013 and released by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI meets with Italian Premier Mario Monti during a private audience at the Vatican. The Vatican traditionally wields influence on Italy's politics and the visit during the electoral campaign raised questions on how much political weight an endorsement from a lame-duck pope might carry in the upcoming Italian general elections where Monti is running for premier. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)
/ AP